JP7448883B2 - Packaging box and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging box that accommodates consumables such as toner containers used in an apparatus such as an image forming system, and an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

Conventionally, in post-processing devices connected to image forming devices such as copying machines and printers, punching waste (recovered materials) generated when sheets are punched to form punch holes has been collected. A technique for installing a container is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a paper collection container is removably installed in the post-processing device. Then, each time punch processing is performed in the punch processing section, punch waste generated therein is collected inside the collection container. The collection container filled with punch waste is then removed from the post-processing device.

In the conventional technology, a dedicated collection container was provided for collecting the collected materials generated by the device, which increased the number of parts and increased the overall cost.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a packaging box and an image forming system that can collect collected materials generated by the device at low cost. .

The packaging box according to the present invention is a packaging box that stores consumables used in the device, and communicates with an outlet for discharging collected materials generated in the device when the consumables are taken out. The packaging box is formed such that it can be attached to the device to collect the collected items, and when it is packed with the consumables stored therein, it is folded down so as not to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the packaging box, and when it is attached to the device, the box is The device includes an arm portion that stands up so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface and is inserted into the insertion hole of the device without exposing the inside of the packaging box .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging box and an image forming system that can collect collected materials generated by the device at low cost.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram showing a state where a packing box is attached to a post-processing device in the width direction. It is a perspective view showing a packing box. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the packaging box with the arm section erected. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the packaging box from the side with the arm section erected. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the arm portion is inserted into the insertion hole of the device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing packaging boxes with different capacities. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation display panel. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of display on the operation display panel. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing an arm portion in which a standing portion is formed. 11 is an enlarged view showing the arm portion and hole portion of FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing an operation in which the arm portion of FIG. 11 is fitted into a hole portion. It is a schematic diagram showing a state where a packaging box is attached to a post-processing device as a modified example.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration and operation of an image forming system 100 as an apparatus will be described.
In the present embodiment, a post-processing device 50 is removably installed in the image forming apparatus 1, and the post-processing device 50 and the post-processing device 50 constitute one image forming system 100.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function. A personal computer serving as a remote input device is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network. Then, the user uses the personal computer to issue various commands to the image forming apparatus 1 through communication to perform desired printing (image forming operation), and to use the operation buttons and buttons displayed on the screen of the operation display panel 95. Desired printing (image forming operation) is performed by manually operating operation keys and issuing various commands.

As shown in FIG. 1, a scanner 13 (original reading device) is installed at the top of the image forming apparatus 1 to optically read image information of a document.
Further, below the scanner 13, a plurality of toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K as consumables are removably (replaceably) installed. The toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K contain yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively.
Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt 8 is installed above the center of the image forming apparatus 1 . Further, photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K (image forming sections) corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is in pressure contact with a secondary transfer roller 15 (secondary transfer belt 16) below, thereby forming a secondary transfer nip as an image forming section.

As shown in FIG. 1, a charging section 3, a developing section 4, a cleaning section 5, a static eliminating section, etc. are arranged around the photosensitive drum 2K corresponding to black. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process, static elimination process) is performed on the photoconductor drum 2K, and a black image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2K. become. The black developing section 4 is appropriately supplied with black toner from the black toner container 20K.

Note that the surroundings of the other three photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C are configured in substantially the same way, and images corresponding to the respective toner colors are formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C. The developing units 4 for yellow, magenta, and cyan are appropriately supplied with yellow, magenta, and cyan toners from toner containers 20Y, 20M, and 20C for yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively.
Hereinafter, the description of the image forming process on the other three photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C will be omitted as appropriate, and only the image forming process corresponding to black will be described.

The photosensitive drum 2K is rotationally driven in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 by a main motor. Then, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K is uniformly charged at the position of the charging section 3 (this is a charging process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K reaches the irradiation position of the laser light emitted from the exposure section 7, and the width direction at this position (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1, which is the main scanning direction). An electrostatic latent image corresponding to black is formed by exposure scanning (this is an exposure process).

Note that when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a copy machine, a latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 2K by irradiation with laser light from the exposure section 7 based on the image information of the document read by the scanner 13. will be done. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a printer, a latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 2K by irradiation with laser light from the exposure section 7 based on image information sent from a personal computer. will be done.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches a position facing the developing section 4, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a black toner image (this is a developing process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K reaches a position where the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the primary transfer roller 6 face each other (primary transfer nip), and at this position the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K is transferred to the intermediate transfer nip. The image is primarily transferred onto the surface of the transfer belt 8 (this is a primary transfer process). At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photoreceptor drum 2K.

Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K reaches a position facing the cleaning section 5, and at this position, the untransferred toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 2K is collected into the cleaning section 5 by the cleaning blade (cleaning step ).
Finally, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2K reaches a position between the cleaning section 5 and the charging section 3 and facing a static eliminator (not shown), and at this position, the residual potential on the photoreceptor drum 2K is reduced. removed.
In this way, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 2K are completed.

Note that the above-described image forming process is performed on the surfaces of the other photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C in the same manner as on the black photoreceptor drum 2K.
The toner images of each color formed on the surfaces of the respective photoreceptor drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8, on which the toner images of each color have been primarily transferred in a superimposed manner, reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 15 (secondary transfer belt 16). At this position, the secondary transfer opposing roller 9 and the secondary transfer roller 15 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer belt 16 to form a secondary transfer nip (image forming section). Then, the four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are secondarily transferred onto a sheet P such as paper that is conveyed to the position of this secondary transfer nip (this is a secondary transfer process). . At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the sheet P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

After that, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches a position of an intermediate transfer cleaning section (not shown) between the secondary transfer nip and the primary transfer nip for yellow (primary transfer roller 6). At this position, deposits such as untransferred toner attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 are removed.
In this way, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are completed.

Here, referring to FIG. 1, the sheet P conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip (image forming section) is transferred from the paper feeding section 10 disposed below the image forming apparatus 1 to the paper feeding roller 11. It is conveyed via a conveyance path K1 in which a registration roller 12 and the like are arranged.
Specifically, the paper feed unit 10 stores a plurality of sheets P, such as paper, stacked one on top of the other. Then, when the paper feed roller 11 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, the uppermost sheet P is fed toward between the registration rollers 12 via the conveyance path K1.

The sheet P conveyed to the registration rollers 12 temporarily stops at the roller nip position of the registration rollers 12 whose rotational drive has been stopped. Then, the registration rollers 12 are rotationally driven in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the sheet P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip (image forming section). In this way, a desired color image is transferred onto the sheet P.

Thereafter, the sheet P to which the color image has been transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed by the secondary transfer belt 16, separated from the secondary transfer belt 16, and then transferred to the position of the fixing section 19 by the conveyor belt 18. transported. Then, at this position, the color image transferred to the surface is fixed onto the sheet P by heat and pressure from the fixing belt and the pressure roller (this is a fixing step).
Thereafter, the sheet P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by the paper discharge roller 25 via the discharge conveyance path K2.
Furthermore, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is conveyed to the interior of the post-processing device 50, and is subjected to processing (post-processing) such as perforation processing (punch processing) and binding processing within the post-processing device 50. Ru. The post-processed sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are then discharged onto the discharge tray 59. Note that the configuration and operation of the post-processing device 50 will be explained in detail later.
In this way, a series of image forming processes (image forming operations) in the image forming apparatus 1 are completed.

The post-processing device 50 will be described in detail below.
First, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is fed (conveyed) into the post-processing apparatus 50 by the entrance roller 51.
If the user has previously selected the "normal processing mode" on the operation display panel 95, the sheet P is ejected by the ejection roller 58 via the linear transport path K11 by switching the transport path using the switching claw 57. The paper is directly discharged onto the tray 59.
At this time, if "perforation processing (punching processing)" is additionally selected in advance on the operation display panel 95 by the user, when the sheet P passes through the punching processing section 70, the punching processing section 70 P is perforated.
In addition, if "sort processing" is additionally selected in advance on the operation display panel 95 by the user, when the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 59 by the discharge roller 58, it functions as a sort processing section. The discharge roller 58 moves in the width direction in accordance with the timing of sorting the sheets P, and the sheets P discharged to the discharge tray 59 are subjected to a sorting process.

On the other hand, if the user has previously selected the "binding processing mode" on the operation display panel 95 of the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet P is transferred to the binding processing transport path by switching the transport path using the switching claw 57. It is transported toward the loading section 61 via K12. Then, the sheet alignment section 60 performs alignment processing on the sheets P (sheet bundle PT) stacked on the stacking section 61 in the transport direction and the width direction.

Specifically, each time a sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is placed on the placement surface of the stacking section 61, the beating roller 56 disposed above moves the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) from the retracted position to the maximum position around the rotation axis. The beating roller 56 is rotated to a position where it contacts the upper sheet P, and the beating roller 56 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, thereby conveying (moving) the sheet P toward the end fence 62. As a result, the rear ends of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the end fence 62, and the positions of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) in the conveying direction are aligned.
Further, in the present embodiment, each time a sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is placed on the placement surface of the stacking section 61, the stopper section 64 held on the belt surface of the conveyor belt 65 By running the conveyor belt 65 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, the leading edge of the sheet P is moved so as to be pushed, and the sheet P is conveyed (moved) toward the end fence 62. As a result, the rear ends of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the end fence 62, and the positions of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) in the conveying direction are aligned.
Further, when the sheet bundle PT is aligned in the conveyance direction in this way, at least one of a pair of side fences (jogger fences) (not shown) installed at both ends of the stacking section 61 in the width direction Every time a sheet P is placed on the section 61 (or after a desired number of sheets P is loaded), a sheet is inserted in the width direction (in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction) so as to sandwich the sheet P (sheet bundle PT). 1), and the positions of the sheets P (sheet bundle PT) in the width direction are aligned.

Then, the rear ends of the sheets P (sheet bundle PT) that have been aligned in the conveyance direction and the width direction by the sheet alignment device 60 are stapled at a predetermined position by moving the stapler 80 that is movable in the width direction. processing will be performed.
Thereafter, the bound sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are moved obliquely upward along the inclination of the loading surface by the movement of the stopper part 64, which also functions as a discharge claw, in the paper discharge direction, and are discharged and transported. After passing through path K13, the sheet is conveyed by discharge rollers 58 and discharged onto discharge tray 59.
Note that even in the binding processing mode, if "perforation processing" is additionally selected in advance on the operation display panel 95 by the user, when the sheet P passes through the perforation processing section 70, the perforation processing section 70 The perforation process is performed on the sheet P by.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the packaging box 30, which are characteristic of this embodiment, will be described in detail.
As previously explained using FIG. 1, in the image forming system 100 (image forming apparatus 1) as an apparatus in this embodiment, toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are used as consumables. .
That is, the toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are each set in the image forming system 1 when the user starts using the image forming system 100 (image forming apparatus 1).
Furthermore, when the image forming system 100 starts to be used and the toner contained therein becomes empty, the toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are removed from the image forming apparatus 1 and replaced with new ones. Toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (fully filled with toner) are attached.

Here, the toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K as consumables are housed (packed) in a packaging box 30 as shown in FIG. 3 before being set. Note that the four-color toner containers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K have almost the same configuration except for the difference in the color of the toner stored therein, so the colors of the toner containers 20 are shown in FIG. 3(B). In the drawings, distinguishing symbols (Y, M, C, K) are omitted, and in the following description, the toner container will be appropriately referred to as "toner container 20."
As shown in FIG. 3(B), a new toner container 20 (consumable item) is housed inside the packaging box 30 shown in FIG. 3(A). The new toner container 20 is thus stored in the packaging box 30 and transported to the user or stored at the user's storage location.
Then, when the user starts using the image forming apparatus 1, the toner containers 20 of all colors are taken out from the packaging box 30 and installed (replaced) in the image forming apparatus 1. The packaging box 30 from which the toner container 20 has been removed becomes an empty box.
Furthermore, when one of the four color toner containers 20 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 becomes empty, that toner container 20 is removed from the image forming apparatus 1 . Then, instead, the toner container 20 of the corresponding color is taken out from the packaging box 30 and installed (replaced) in the image forming apparatus 1. The packaging box 30 from which the toner container 20 has been removed becomes an empty box.
Note that when taking out the toner container 20 from the packaging box 30, open the lid 31 (see FIG. 3A), which was in the closed state, to expose the inside of the box (as shown in FIG. 4). Let's do it.

Here, with reference to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the packaging box 30 is in a state where the toner container 20 as a consumable item is taken out (empty state), and when the toner container 20 as a consumable item is removed, the collection box 30 is It is attached to the image forming system 100 (apparatus) so as to communicate with a discharge port 50a that discharges punch waste PG as an object, and is configured to be able to collect punch waste PG (collected material).

Specifically, the post-processing device 50 of the image forming system 100 is provided with the perforation processing section 70, as described above using FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, this perforation processing section 70 is provided with a plurality of perforations 70a in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2, and the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1). Then, the punching section 70a moves to penetrate the end of the sheet P in the conveyance direction that has reached the position of the punching processing section 70, and punch holes are formed in the sheet P. At this time, punch waste PG is generated as punch holes are formed. That is, during the punching process of forming punch holes in the sheet P, punch waste PG is generated as a collected material.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100) is provided with a transport unit 73 as a transport means for transporting punch waste PG (recovered material) toward the discharge port 50a. . The conveyance section 73 is formed with an inclined surface 73a that slopes downward from the perforation processing section 70 toward the discharge port 50a (formed to open on the back side of the post-processing device 50). The punch waste PG generated in the punch processing section 70 slides down along the inclined surface 73a and is discharged from the discharge port 50a. Incidentally, the inclined surface 73a of the conveying section 73 is made of a low-friction material, such as by pasting Teflon tape, so that the punch waste PG can slide down smoothly.
On the other hand, the empty packaging box 30 is installed on the back side of the post-processing device 50 so as to communicate with the discharge port 50a of the post-processing device 50, as shown in FIG. The punch waste PG discharged from the discharge port 50a is then collected into the packaging box 30. That is, the empty packaging box 30 functions as a collection box for collecting punch waste PG. When the packaging box 30 becomes full with punch waste PG, it is removed from the post-processing device 50, and another empty packaging box 30 is attached to the post-processing device 50 in its place.

As described above, in this embodiment, instead of providing a dedicated collection container for collecting punch waste PG (recovered material) generated in the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100), the toner container 20 ( An empty packaging box 30 for consumables is used as a collection container.
Therefore, the cost of the image forming system 100 as a whole can be reduced without increasing the number of parts. That is, the punch waste PG (collected material) generated in the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100) can be collected at low cost.

Here, an arm portion 32 is formed in the packaging box 30, as shown in FIG. 3(A), FIG. 4, etc.
When the toner container 20 (consumable item) is packed, the arm portion 32 is folded down so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the packaging box 30, as shown in FIG. When the arm section 32 is attached to the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100), as shown in FIGS. It is then erected and inserted into the insertion hole 50b (see FIGS. 2 and 6) of the post-processing device 50.

Specifically, the packaging box 30 is provided with arm portions 32 at both ends at least in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIGS. 2 and 5). That is, the packaging box 30 is provided with a plurality of arm portions 32. This also applies to packaging boxes 30' (see FIG. 7) having different capacities, which will be described later.
In particular, the packaging box 30 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 is provided with four arm portions 32 alternately at both ends in the width direction and at the top and bottom. Further, the arm portion 32 has a distal end portion (detected portion 32b) bent downward in a substantially L-shape (thickness in the vertical direction is increased).

As shown in FIG. 3A, the arm portion 32 maintains a substantially rectangular box shape before the packaging box 30 is used as a collection box (when used as a so-called packaging box). It was knocked down so that it was hanging down. At this time, the outer shape of the arm portion 32 is held in the box body by the perforations, and the arm portion 32 is maintained in its fallen state.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the packaging box 30 is used as a collection box, the arm portion 32 is peeled off along the perforations by an operator such as a user, and the base portion 32a is removed. Stand up at the base point. At this time, even if the arm portion 32 is peeled off and stands up, no hole will be formed because the base portion 30x is present in the peeled off portion. In other words, at least the portion where the arm portion 32 is formed in the packaging box 30 has a two-layer structure of the base portion 30x and the arm portion 32. In this embodiment, the packaging box 30 is made of cardboard.
4 and 5, in order to explain the structure of the lid part 31, the opening 30d for taking out the toner container 20 is shown in an open state. When the device is attached to the device, the opening 30d is closed by the lid portion 31.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the packaging box 30 with the arm portion 32 erected is attached to the back surface of the post-processing device 50, as shown in FIG.
Specifically, the upright arm portion 32 is inserted into an insertion hole 50b (formed with a size that allows insertion of the detected portion 32b at the tip) of the post-processing device 50, and the approximately L-shaped tip portion is inserted. The packaging box 30 is held in the post-processing device 50 with the detected portion 32b hooked into the insertion hole 50b.

Here, referring to FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, arm portion 32 is formed with a notch 32a1 that fits into the edge of insertion hole 50b when attached to post-processing device 50.
Specifically, in the post-processing device 50, the insertion hole 50b is formed in the rear side plate 55. After the arm portion 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 50b, it is pushed down so that the notch 32a1 (formed at the base portion 32a) fits into the rear side plate 55 (the edge of the insertion hole 50b).
This allows the packaging box 30 to be tightly and accurately attached to a target position in the post-processing device 50.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the present embodiment, the arm section 32 is in a normally set state by a set detection sensor 77 installed in the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100). A detected portion 32b is provided in which the detected portion 32b is detected.
Specifically, as described above, the detected portion 32b is the tip portion of the arm portion 32 formed in a substantially L-shape. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when the packaging box 30 is correctly set in the post-processing device 50, the detected portion 32b of the arm portion 32 is positioned to directly face the set detection sensor 77. , the arm portion 32 (detected portion 32b) is detected by the set detection sensor 77. On the other hand, if the packaging box 30 is not set correctly in the post-processing device 50, the detected portion 32b of the arm portion 32 does not directly face the set detection sensor 77, and the arm portion is detected by the set detection sensor 77. 32 (detected portion 32b) is not detected. In this way, the setting detection sensor 77 detects an abnormality in the setting of the packaging box 30.
Note that in this embodiment, a reflective photosensor is used as the set detection sensor 77, but the set detection sensor is not limited to this, and various types of sensors can be used.
Further, in this embodiment, four set detection sensors 77 are provided corresponding to all four arm sections 32. If even one of the four set detection sensors 77 does not detect the arm portion 32 (detected portion 32b), it is determined that a set abnormality has occurred in the packaging box 30.

In the present embodiment, when the set detection sensor 77 detects that the arm section 32 is not set normally, this fact is displayed on the operation display panel 95 as a display section of the image forming system 100 (apparatus). (See Figure 1).
An example of such a display on the operation display panel 95 can be as shown in FIG.
In this way, by displaying a warning on the operation display panel 95, punch waste PG is collected even if the packaging box 30 is incorrectly set (not communicating with the discharge port 50a), and the punch waste PG is collected around the device. It is possible to prevent the problem of punch waste PG being scattered.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the packaging box 30 has a collection port 30a( an opening) is formed.
As shown in FIG. 3A, this collection port 30a is covered by the arm portion 32 so as not to be exposed to the outside during packaging, and as shown in FIG. It will be exposed to the outside.
Specifically, the recovery port 30a is an opening formed in the base 30x where the uppermost arm part 32 of the four arm parts 32 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, the recovery port 30a, which was covered by the uppermost arm 32 during packaging, is exposed when the arm 32 is raised during installation, and the recovery port 30a is exposed when the post-processing device 50 is opened. It becomes in a state where it can communicate with the discharge port 50a. The collection port 30a is formed to have a size equal to or larger than the discharge port 50a, and is configured to ensure communication with the discharge port 50a when the packaging box 30 is properly set in the post-processing device 50. There is. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, punch waste PG discharged from the discharge port 50a is stored in the packaging box 30 via the collection port 30a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the presence or absence of punch waste PG (recovered material) inside the packaging box 30 is determined by a photo sensor (full detection sensor 75) installed in the post-processing device 50. A window 30b is formed for detecting.
As shown in FIG. 3A, this window portion 30b is covered by the arm portion 32 so as not to be exposed to the outside during packaging, and as shown in FIG. It will be exposed to the outside.
Specifically, the window portion 30b is made of a light-transmissive material such as transparent resin or glass, and is formed on the base portion 30x where the uppermost arm portion 32 of the four arm portions 32 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, the window 30b that was covered by the uppermost arm 32 during packaging is exposed when the arm 32 is erected during installation, and the window 30b is exposed when the post-processing device 50 is opened. It is in a state where it can face the full detection sensor 75 (photo sensor). The full detection sensor 75 is a reflective photosensor that optically detects whether punch waste PG has been accumulated up to the height of the window 30b.
When the full detection sensor 75 detects punch waste PG, it is assumed that the packaging box 30 is full of punch waste PG, and a warning message is displayed on the operation display panel 95 (display section) to prompt the user to replace the packaging box 30. Let's do it. An example of a display on the operation display panel 95 may be as shown in FIG.
In this way, by detecting the full state of punch waste PG in the packaging box 30 by the full detection sensor 75, it is possible to prevent the problem of punch waste PG overflowing from the packaging box 30.

Here, in the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment, packaging boxes 30 and 30' (see FIGS. 3A and 7) having different capacities (sizes) can be attached to the post-processing device 50. .
Specifically, the packaging box 30' shown in FIG. 7 has a smaller internal capacity than the packaging box 30 shown in FIG. 3(A). For example, the frequently used black toner container 20K has a large toner capacity, so a large-capacity packaging box 30 shown in FIG. Since the toner capacity is small, a small-capacity packaging box 30 shown in FIG. 7 is used for packaging. The configuration is such that a small-capacity packaging box 30' shown in FIG. 7 can be set in the post-processing device 50 instead of the large-capacity packaging box 30 shown in FIG. 3(A).
As shown in FIG. 7, a small-capacity packaging box 30' cannot have as many arm sections 32 as a large-capacity one due to its size, so it has only two arm sections 32. It is provided. At the uppermost arm portion 32, a collection port 30a and a window portion 30b are formed. The small-capacity packaging box 30' is also attached to the post-processing device 50 so that the recovery port 30a communicates with the discharge port 50a.
In this way, in a device in which packaging boxes 30, 30' with different capacities may occur as empty boxes, by making it possible to attach all of the packaging boxes 30, 30' to the post-processing device 50, the overall efficiency of the device can be reduced. This will improve usability.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. identifier) has been set up.
Based on the information stored in the RFID 35 (storage means), the conditions for detecting the state in which the packaging boxes 30, 30' are normally set in the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100), the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100) to detect that the packaging boxes 30, 30' are full of punch waste PG (collected material).

Specifically, the RFID 35 is a non-contact ID chip or the like, and is attached to the outer surface of the packaging box 30, 30' (the surface on which the arm portion 32 is formed, and the portion where the arm portion 32 is not formed). is set up. Furthermore, information such as the capacity of the packaging boxes 30, 30', the number and position of the arm sections 32, etc. is stored in advance in the RFID 35.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a reader 76 (reading device) for reading information stored in the RFID 35 is installed in the post-processing device 50 at a position facing the RFID 35 of the packaging boxes 30, 30'.
In the present embodiment, the information of the RFID 35 is read by the reader 76, and the packaging boxes 30, 30' are normally set in the post-processing device 50 based on the information in the control unit of the image forming system 100. The conditions for detecting the state have been changed.
Specifically, for the large-capacity packaging box 30 shown in FIG. 3, if even one of the four set detection sensors 77 corresponding to the four arm parts 32 does not detect the arm part 32, there is a set abnormality. It is determined that That is, all the detection results of the four set detection sensors 77 are subject to the determination of the presence or absence of a set abnormality.
On the other hand, for the small capacity packaging box 30' shown in FIG. 7, only the two set detection sensors 77 corresponding to the two arm parts 32 are subject to set detection, and the The detection result is ignored and the presence or absence of a set abnormality is determined.
Then, based on each judgment condition, it is determined whether or not there is a setting abnormality in the packaging boxes 30, 30', and if there is a setting abnormality, a warning is displayed on the operation display panel 95.

Here, in the present embodiment, the information of the RFID 35 is read by the reader 76, and the control unit of the image forming system 100 determines the state in which the packaging boxes 30, 30' are filled with punch waste PG based on the information. It is also possible to change the conditions for detecting.
Such control is performed when fullness detection in the packaging boxes 30, 30' is performed without using the fullness detection sensor 75 (or when the result of the fullness detection sensor 75 is supplemented), and the perforation processing section This is useful when performing this based on the operating status of 70.
Specifically, since the amount of punch waste PG collected in the packaging boxes 30, 30' is approximately proportional to the number of times the punching process is performed by the punching processing section 70, empty packaging boxes 30, 30' are used for post-processing. By counting the operating status (the number of punching operations) of the punching processing section 70 after it is installed in the apparatus 50, it is possible to predict the state in which the packaging boxes 30, 30' will be filled with punch waste PG. In that case, the conditions (timing) for the packaging boxes 30 and 30' to become full will differ depending on the capacity of the packaging boxes 30 and 30', so if the packaging box 30' with a small capacity is set, the packaging box 30 with a large capacity is set. The number of times the punching process is performed when fullness is detected is set to be smaller than that in the case where the hole is filled.

Note that when such fullness detection control is performed, the post-processing device 50 (image forming system 100) determines whether the packaging boxes 30, 30' are punched waste PG or not based on at least one of the type and thickness of the sheet P. It is desirable that the conditions for detecting a full state are changed.
This is because if the type and thickness of the sheet P to be perforated differs, the bulk density when collected into the packaging boxes 30, 30' will differ, and if fullness is detected under the same conditions, the This is because the weight of the packaging boxes 30, 30' may become too large. For example, when coated paper or thick sheet P (cardboard) is to be perforated, it is collected in the packaging boxes 30, 30' more than when plain paper is to be perforated. If the bulk density is large and fullness is detected under the same conditions, the weight of the packaging boxes 30, 30' when full may become too large to be held by the post-processing device 50. . Therefore, in such a case, the number of punching operations when fullness is detected is set to be small.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, in this embodiment, in order to neatly fold down (fold) the arm portion 32 of the packaging box 30 that is full and taken out from the post-processing device 50, An upright portion 32b1 can be formed at the tip of the portion 32 (detected portion 32b), and a hole 30c can be formed in the base portion 30x.
Specifically, the upright portion 32b1 is erected from the arm portion 32 after the packaging box 30 in which punch waste PG (recovered material) has been collected is removed from the post-processing device 50. The upright portion 32b1 is fitted into the hole 30c formed in the outer circumferential surface (base portion 30x) of the packaging box 30 when the arm portion 32 is brought down so as not to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the packaging box 30. .
Specifically, until the packaging box 30 is removed from the post-processing device 50, the upright portion 32b1 does not stand up from the arm portion 32 and is in a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 10(A). After the packaging box 30 is removed from the post-processing device 50, the upright portion 32b1 is peeled off from the perforation and raised approximately 90 degrees from the arm portion 32, as shown in FIG. 10(B). Then, when the arm portion 32 in the upright state as shown in FIG. 4 is brought down again as shown in FIG. 3(A), the upright portion 32b1 A fitting portion 32b10 formed at the tip of the hole 30c is inserted into the hole 30c.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the raised portion 32b1 is formed with a return portion (the portion surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 12) that restricts the fitting from being released from the hole portion 30c. There is.
Specifically, the fitting portion 32b10 of the upright portion 32b1 is formed to spread from the neck, and has a substantially arcuate tip to facilitate fitting into the hole 30c. The base of the fitting portion 32b10 relative to the neck portion is a turned portion (the portion surrounded by a broken line).
By providing the raised portion 32b1 with the bent portion in this manner, the fitting portion 32b10 inserted into the hole 30c becomes difficult to come out from the hole 30c. Therefore, after the arm part 32 of the packaging box 30 taken out from the post-processing device 50 is folded down, the arm part 32 stands up again, resulting in problems such as leakage of punch waste PG from the collection hole 30a and problems with poor appearance. can be prevented.
Note that the fitting portion 32b10 is formed so that the size of the portion where the barb portion is formed is larger than the size of the hole portion 30c. If this makes it difficult for the fitting part 32b10 to fit into the hole 30c, it is preferable to fit the fitting part 32b10 into the hole 30c while tilting the fitting part 32b10, as shown in FIGS. 12(A) to (D).
Further, it is preferable that the hole 30c is closed until the upright portion 32b1 is inserted, or that the hole is narrow enough to prevent the punch waste PG collected inside from leaking out.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the packaging box 30 is provided with a lid portion 31 for taking out the toner container 20 (consumable item) from the packaging box 30, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. ing.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid 31 also has a tongue portion 31a that is peeled off from the base 30x (the base of the surface on which the arm portion 32 and the like are installed) when the lid 31 is opened. is formed.
Referring to FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, after the toner container 20 is removed from the packaging box 30, the tongue portion 31a of the lid portion 31 is raised up from the lid portion 31 (the tongue portion 31a). An upright portion (32b1) is provided that fits into a hole 30c formed in the packaging box 30 (base 30x) when the lid portion 31 is closed. Further, the raised portion of the lid portion 31 (tongue portion 31a) is also formed with a barbed portion that restricts the fitting from being released from the hole portion 31c, similar to what was explained using FIG. 12 earlier. has been done.
With this configuration, the lid 31 of the packaging box 30 from which the toner container 20 has been taken out can be neatly folded down (folded). Therefore, after the packaging box 30 is installed as a collection container in the post-processing device 50, a problem such as the lid 31 being opened and the punch waste PG being scattered from there can be prevented.

<Modified example>
As shown in FIG. 13, in the modified example, a conveyor belt 74 is used as a conveyance means for conveying punch waste PG (collected material) toward the discharge port 50a in the post-processing device 50.
The conveyor belt 74 is an endless belt stretched and supported by a plurality of roller members, and travels in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 13 by rotation of one roller member (drive roller) among the plurality of roller members. Then, the punch waste PG that has fallen onto the conveyor belt 74 from the punch processing section 70 is conveyed to the discharge port 50a by the conveyor belt 74, and the punch waste PG is collected into the packaging box 30.
When the conveyor belt 74 is used as the conveyance means in this way, it is also possible to convey the punch waste PG in a direction that opposes gravity, which increases the degree of freedom in layout.

As described above, the packaging box 30 in this embodiment is a packaging box 30 in which the toner container 20 (consumables) used in the image forming system 100 (apparatus) is stored, and the toner container 20 is It is attached to the image forming system 100 so as to communicate with a discharge port 50a for discharging punch waste PG (recovered material) generated in the image forming system 100 in a state where the punch waste PG is collected.
Thereby, punch waste PG generated in the image forming system 100 can be collected at low cost.

Note that in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 100 in which a color image forming apparatus 1 is installed, but it can naturally be applied to an image forming system in which a monochrome image forming apparatus is installed. The present invention can be applied.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 100 in which the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 is installed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other types. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus (for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, a stencil printing apparatus, etc.) is installed.
Further, in this embodiment, the post-processing device 50 performs binding processing and sorting processing in addition to punching processing, but it can also be configured to perform only punching processing.
Further, in the present embodiment, punch waste PG is collected as a collected object in the packaging box 30 in which the toner container 20 is stored as a consumable item, but the consumable item and the collected item are not limited to these. However, it can be of various types.
Further, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 100 as a device in which the post-processing device 50 and the image forming device 1 are installed, but the present invention can naturally be applied to other devices as well. can be applied.
Even in such cases, effects similar to those of this embodiment can be obtained.

Note that it is clear that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that this embodiment can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention in addition to what is suggested in this embodiment. be. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to those in this embodiment, and can be set to a number, position, shape, etc. suitable for implementing the present invention.

Note that in the present specification and the like, the term "sheet" is defined to include not only paper but also all sheets that are subjected to image formation, perforation, and the like.

1 image forming device,
20, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K toner container (consumables),
30, 30' packaging box (recovery box),
30a collection port, 30b window,
30c hole, 30x base,
31 Lid part,
32 arm part,
32a root part, 32a1 notch,
32b Detected part, 32b1 Standing part, 32b10 Fitting part,
35 RFID (storage means),
50 Post-processing device (sheet processing device),
50a discharge port, 50b insertion hole,
70 perforation processing section (punch processing section),
70a perforation part,
73 Transport unit (transport means),
73a Slope,
74 Transport belt (transport means),
75 Full detection sensor (photo sensor),
76 Reader (reading device),
77 Set detection sensor,
95 Operation display panel (display section),
100 Image forming system (device),
P sheet,
PG Punch scraps (recovered).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-194044

Claims (18)

A packaging box containing consumables used in the device,
attached to the device so as to communicate with an outlet for discharging collected materials generated in the device in a state in which the consumables are taken out, so that the collected materials can be collected ;
When the consumables are stored in the packaging, the packaging box is folded down so as not to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the packaging box, and when the consumables are attached to the device, the inside of the packaging box is not exposed and is protruded from the outer circumferential surface. A packaging box characterized by comprising an arm portion that stands up and is inserted into an insertion hole of the device . comprising a collection port that communicates with the discharge port and allows the collected material to flow into the inside of the packaging box;
2. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the collection port is covered by the arm so as not to be exposed to the outside during the packaging, and is exposed to the outside as the arm rises during the mounting. a window portion for detecting the presence or absence of the collected items inside the packaging box using a photosensor installed in the device;
3. The window part is covered by the arm part during the packing so as not to be exposed to the outside, and is exposed to the outside as the arm part stands up when the window part is mounted. packing box. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the arm part includes a detected part whose normally set state is detected by a set detection sensor installed in the device. box. 5. The packaging box according to claim 4, wherein when the setting detection sensor detects that the arm section is not set properly, a display to that effect is displayed on the display section of the device. 6. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the arm portion is formed with a notch that fits into an edge of the insertion hole when the arm portion is attached. The arm section is erected from the arm section after the packaging box in which the collected items have been collected is removed from the device, and when the arm section is brought down so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the packaging box. 7. The packaging box according to claim 1, further comprising an upright portion that fits into a hole formed on the outer peripheral surface of the packaging box. 8. The packaging box according to claim 7, wherein the upright portion is formed with a barb portion that restricts the engagement with the hole portion from being released. 9. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the arm portion is a plurality of arm portions installed at least at both ends in the width direction. comprising a lid for taking out the consumables from the packaging box,
The lid part has a standing part that fits into a hole formed in the packaging box when the lid part is raised from the lid part after the consumables are removed from the packaging box and the lid part is closed. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: 11. The packaging box according to claim 10, wherein the upright portion is formed with a barb portion that restricts the engagement with the hole portion from being released. comprising a storage means in which information regarding the packaging box is stored;
Based on the information stored in the storage means, conditions for detecting a state in which the packaging box is normally set in the device, and a state in which the device detects a state in which the packaging box is filled with the collected items; The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the conditions under which the packaging is carried out is changed. 13. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the collected material is punch waste generated during a punching process for forming punch holes in the sheet. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein conditions for detecting a state in which the packaging box is full of the collected items by the device are changed based on at least one of the type and thickness of the sheet. Packing box as stated. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a conveying means for conveying the recovered material toward the discharge port is installed in the apparatus. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the consumable item is a toner container. An image forming system as the apparatus, comprising an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus,
An image forming system, wherein the packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is removably installed in the post-processing device. The image forming system according to claim 17, wherein the packaging boxes having different capacities can be attached to the post-processing device.

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